If you're reading this, chances are your life, or the life of someone you know, is shaped by pain - and the physical and emotional suffering that usually accompany it. The good news: Jon Kabat-Zinn and his colleagues have helped thousands of people learn to use the power of mindfulness to transform their relationship to pain and suffering, and discover new degrees of freedom for living with greater ease and quality of life.

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Publisher's Summary

If you're reading this, chances are your life, or the life of someone you know, is shaped by pain - and the physical and emotional suffering that usually accompany it. The good news: Jon Kabat-Zinn and his colleagues have helped thousands of people learn to use the power of mindfulness to transform their relationship to pain and suffering, and discover new degrees of freedom for living with greater ease and quality of life.

Now, with Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief, the man who brought mindfulness into mainstream medicine presents these approaches for working gently and effectively with even the most trying of circumstances.

One important thing about this audiobook, is that the author, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, is the narrator. Narrator is not quite the word actually. He doesn't narrate. He comforts and gently, ever so gently guides the listener to a better place. Where- or whatever that is. JKZ leaves that to you to choose. It is not new-agy, touchy-freely mambo-jumbo. Although he clearly offers techniques used in Yoga, that is not Yoga. Nor is it "spiritual" (although he has a very interesting take on the meaning of that word in another book that I also rated 5 stars: Wherever You Go, There You Are). He is not preaching Buddhism (again, he explains his references to Buddhism in Wherever You Go...). His meditation techniques are down to earth. Precisely. Literally, mentally, physically down to earth.
Even for one who doesn't experience the kind of acute, debilitating chronic pain he mentions in the book, this is a very comforting read. The sound of his voice, the rhythm and tone in his speech pattern make you feel safe. It made me feel I was in a presence of friend who knew me, understood me, and knew what to say to sooth whatever hales me.
It is the kind of book that should be covered by health insurance.

This is an excellent book, but it's limited through the functionality available with audible's player. If you could easily move to the start of the meditation pieces or lecture piece it would be more useful. If audible upgrades its player this will be a better option.

Yes, I listen to this often. I would reccomend this meditation to anyone with chronic pain due to arthritis, back injuries, surgeries or any pain issues. Why? Because it helps me.

What other book might you compare Meditation for Pain Relief to and why?

Almost any other meditation or relaxation books are good. You may find them to be somewhat pricy for the length of the book but when you factor in the benefits they are very much worth the money. If this isn't in your budget there are plenty of free sources out there if you look but this is convenient.

Which scene was your favorite?

There isn't really a scene with meditation but the meditation is very relaxing and does actually alleviate pain.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Meditation for Pain Relief?

The insight that I appy to this book is that there are multiple relaxation methods out there and it allows me to focus on my pain so that I can take my focus off my pain. It is very interesting how this meditation works.

Any additional comments?

I wish that audible had an automatic repeat option button on the manager because I listen to this when I lay down at night and I sometimes wake up after the meditation and have to get up from a pain free relaxed position and replay or play another meditation or book. Also, it would be great if there were a longer book such as a compilation of meditations lasting overall around 6,7, or 8 hours. This would be more convenient and more affordable.

Many guided meditations are geared to be used while in need of that particular meditation. This is a practice that requires you to follow it for a long period of time to see results. It is a good program but not what I expected.

I am finding this meditation audio very helpful in dealing with chronic pain. I was skeptical, and it has not made the pain go completely away, but changing my attitude toward the pain and taking the time to meditate on it several times each week has helped a lot. I don't get depressed and anxious about the pain anymore and it does seem to be less than before.

I respect and use the work of JKZ regularly as part of my meditation "workout". I get wrankled right from the beginning when he says his patients dont have to "like" the meditations, they just have to do them. In my search for non-pharma pain management techniques, this one is good, but there are far better ones in the library of mindfullness meditations here.

Disappointing. The first few chapters were a waste of time. Too much explanation and convincing the listener about the process. Just get on with the actual meditations! And while I have great respect for Jon Kabat-Zinn's work, as he truly is a pioneer in the field, he really, really needs to let someone else narrate.

Excellent book. Jon Kabat Zinn has done amazing work in the field of pain management using meditation. I am grateful to have discovered this book. Jon Kabat-Zinn teaches one to separate physical pain from the mental construct of pain. I am having serious L4L5 nerve pain and Kabat-Zinn's techniques have helped me tremendously. Jon Kabat-Zinn reads the book himself. He has a calm, reassuring voice. I feel like he is talking directly to me..

If you could sum up Meditation for Pain Relief in three words, what would they be?

Easy and effective

What did you like best about this story?

Story aside, I have tried many audio books for pain relief meditation over the years and this is by far, way out there in front, the best. It is grounded in clinical research and is backed up by many other resources if you want to go further, although I don't think there is any real need as this is so good. I may change my mind when I've been using it longer than a few weeks, time will tell.

Which character – as performed by Jon Kabat-Zinn – was your favourite?

This isn't really an appropriate question given the subject matter, but I do like the fact that it's presented/read out by the Doc who instigated the programme . You really get a sense of his dedication and commitment in developing the programme.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely and many times more.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this to anyone who experiences chronic debilitating pain. It is a no nonsense practical resource which contains the best and easiest instructions for developing mindfulness I have ever come across. It also contains some truly life enhancing information. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Ms Belinda Gammon

North Wales

7/13/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Excellent introduction to mindfulness meditation"

What made the experience of listening to Meditation for Pain Relief the most enjoyable?

If you are interested in mindfulness meditation techniques and unable, for whatever reason, to attend the actual course, Kabat-Zinn's book is an excellent introduction. Narrated by the author and containing guided meditations, the Audiobook affords the listener the opportunity of an 'aural transmission' from a meditator of considerable experience.Kabat-Zinn's gently modulated tones create an ideal atmosphere for meditating, as the Author encourages the listener to tune into or out of the narration as necessary. Kabat-Zinn's experience as a meditator and meditation teacher is evident in the light touch he brings to bear on all the frequently encountered challenges to the development of a regular meditation practice.

Have you listened to any of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I've also listened to "Full Catastrophe Living" and "Wherever you go, there you are" and feel that this particular performance, being more gently modulated in pitch, pace and intensity, is ideally suited to the purpose at hand.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have been using this audiobook twice a day for the last three months and have found Kabat-Zinn to be a faithful, non-judgmental and supportive meditation guide: my meditation practice has flourished and I appear to be reaping the rewards in terms of mental and emotional wellbeing. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Alexa

Czech

7/21/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"it is a mistery for me how is this helpful"

breathing and meditation -this is all known , anything new -nothing and you have it for 1 hour and 50 min ,plus ringing bells

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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